The Empowering the Next Generation Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE) Youth project, a five-year initiative was officially launched on Tuesday. The $1.3 billion project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
The project aims to enhance the empowerment of Indigenous youth, especially young women, from communities in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9.
The $1.3 billion project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
At the launch at the Amerindian Heritage Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in Georgetown, Project Director, Vanessa Thompson highlighted four key objectives.
“First of all to the increase the capacity of indigenous youth especially young women, to make informed decisions about their socio cultural as well as their economic development.
“Secondly, it is to improve community support for youth participation is socio cultural as well as economic development.
“Thirdly, it is to enhance capacity of key stakeholders to implement gender and youth sensitive livelihood programme and then fourthly to increase the capacity of key stakeholders supporting climate resilient economic initiatives for indigenous youth especially young women,” Thompson stated.
The ENGAGE Youth project will support Indigenous youth through gender equality training, community awareness programs, life skills and empowerment workshops, vocational skills training, networking, learning exchanges, responsive grants for youth economic initiatives, and capacity strengthening for key stakeholders.
The project targets 6,484 women and youth across the four regions.
One such youth is Patricia Smith from Batavia Village, Region Seven. Smith is a mother and also serves as the secretary for the Batavia Village Council.
“I am a mother and like every mother, I dream of a future where my community thrives, and our voices all Warrau, Carib, and Akawaio nations are heard with strength and clarity,” Smith said.
For her, joining the ENGAGE Youth Project was a turning point in her life.
“It was not just about learning new skills but about discovering a deeper purpose. I engaged with ambitious youth from across the regions, learning with and from them. It was truly invaluable,” Smith stated.
Another youth part of the project is Michael Wilson who is the Toshao of Rupanau Village in Region Nine. He described the project as transformative.
“This initiative has opened up conversations, raised awareness, and empowered individuals to take action, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities,” Wilson said as he expressed confidence in the project’s growth and impact.
“The engage youth project is more than just a set of initiatives, it is a movement towards empowerment, opportunity and collaboration for indigenous youths,” Wilson said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai during her remarks revealed whether you have primary or secondary education, this project opens doors for growth and empowerment.
“When the village develops, the country develops. When human capital is invested in and is successful, our country develops,” Minister Sukhai said.
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